ROSA
The federal courthouse loomed before me, its stone facade as cold as the morning air. Today would determine everything—my father's fate, the future of our family, and whatever remained between Marco and me.
I smoothed down my black blazer and walked up the steps, photographers shouting questions I ignored. Inside, Marco waited by the security checkpoint.
"You don't have to be here for this," he said softly.
"Yes, I do." I met his eyes. "You made your choice yesterday. Now I need to make mine."
The courtroom was packed when we entered. Daniel and his father sat with their lawyers on one side, my father on the other. The sight of him in prison orange made my heart ache.
As I took my seat in the front row, Daniel turned and gave me a smile that sent chills down my spine.
"All rise," the bailiff called.
The proceedings began with the prosecution outlining their case. I listened as they detailed the criminal empire my father had built, the smuggling operations, the money laundering. B
